How-To Geek

Smart displays like the Google Nest Hub sound cool, but they’re extremely limited in real life. Ironically, the display is the weakest part. You can make a much more useful “smart display” with any Android phone or tablet.

When it comes to watching movies and TV shows or listening to music, I’m mostly a streamer these days. That said, I always have a Jellyfin server running on my network just in case the internet fails me.

PowerShell is very intimidating, but it has stood the test of time in Windows 11. The command-line interface seems like an arcane realm reserved for IT professionals and developers. However, the core of the operating system is built on an automation engine that handles data as structured objects, giving everyday users the power to execute complex operations instantly. PowerShell is really a universally accessible productivity engine that Windows 11 hides in plain sight. In fact, it has a leg up over the terminal and command prompt.

Like you, I had to sit through years of those "You wouldn't steal a car" anti-piracy videos on DVDs that I had paid for. Ironically, people who actually pirated their DVDs didn't have to see any of that, but that's a conversation for another day.

A year and a half after releasing the Arrow Lake CPU lineup, which earned middling reviews, Intel is slated to launch its Arrow Lake Refresh CPUs (also known as Core Ultra 200S Plus) on March 26, 2026.

Your homelab is the perfect place to learn about both the good and bad sides of networking and server infrastructure. On the one hand, a homelab is an extremely useful tool for any tinkerer. On the other hand, it’s a security nightmare if not set up properly. Here are four privacy settings that most homelabbers get wrong, and how to fix them.

Windows Search is one of those features I want to like more than I actually do. It's built into the operating system, it's always one keypress away, and in theory it should be the fastest way to get anything done on your PC. In practice, it's often slow, inconsistent, and weirdly unreliable. I've had it miss apps that are clearly installed, ignore files I just opened, and hang long enough that I end up clicking around manually instead. At some point, you stop trusting it.

The Windows user interface is very mouse-oriented, but if you're willing to learn a few shortcuts, the keyboard can save you time and effort. These are some of the shortcuts I use daily.

With desktop 3D printers becoming so common, what used to be a really specialized manufacturing tech is now available for everyone. However, don't think this easy access means that modern 3D printing is just a simple, plug-and-play device. Getting reliable, high-quality results isn't about how much your printer costs; it's more about what you put into it.

Prepare for liftoff. March marks the arrival of Project Hail Mary, one of the first event movies of 2026. Ryan Gosling headlines the space odyssey as Dr. Ryland Grace, a science teacher sent into space to save the world. Along the way, Grace meets Rocky, an alien who becomes his friend and a partner in the mission.

Subcompact SUVs have become one of the most popular choices on the road, with buyers swapping small sedans and hatchbacks for something taller and more versatile. Automakers rushed in to meet the demand, packing the segment with compact crossovers aimed at commuters, young families, and city shoppers.

Visual Studio Code has switched to weekly updates, so new features and bug fixes are now arriving at a rapid pace. The new version 1.112 update is now available, with a significant upgrade for web development and a few more AI coding features.

The Nissan Versa is gone, and just like that, the Hyundai Venue takes the crown as America’s cheapest new car at $22,150. It’s not exactly fresh—this thing’s been around for a while—but it still nails the basics with a boxy design, a simple infotainment setup, and just enough punch for everyday driving.

When you get on Linux for the first time, it can be overwhelming just how much free software is available to you. After years of futzing around on Linux devices, I have some fairly uncommon software I've adopted for work and for play.

Google Maps has a long list of hidden (and sometimes, just underrated) features that help you navigate seamlessly. But I was not a big fan of using Google Maps for walking: that is, until I started using the right set of features that helped me navigate better.

Say what you want about it, but one thing’s for sure, people can’t get enough of Taylor Sheridan. The healthy lineup of Sheridan's shows set to stream this year on Paramount+ proves his popularity.

The market for PC components right now is very expensive. It's tempting to buy everything used and cheaper, but there are some components you just shouldn't buy used. Getting them secondhand, even at a good price, could put your system at risk and just outright waste your money.

The command line has a reputation problem on Windows. To the average user, it looks intimidating, feels outdated, and often feels like something meant for developers. In reality, a few well-chosen tools can make your experience faster and easier than clicking through menus, installing apps, and managing files.

I converted my home into a smart home over the course of a single year. Placing a bulk order for 50 light switches all at once, because they were on sale, will do that for you. I’ve learned a lot since then—some of which I wish I knew beforehand.

Following the release of version 0.97 earlier in January, Microsoft continues to refine PowerToys with another incremental but meaningful update. PowerToys version 0.98 focuses on improving usability across the board. There’s a redesigned Keyboard Manager, dockable Command Palette, and enhancements to CursorWrap.